Yesterday, we lit the first candle on our Advent wreath. As we launch into this new holiday season, let’s not be in such a rush to dive headlong into the festivities that we miss the subtle beauty of anticipation. Could it be possible this year for us to slow down, to savor the moments that lead us to the manger?
Advent, with its quiet whispers and flickering candles, invites us to cultivate a spirit of patient expectancy. The world may be rushing towards the grand crescendo of Christmas, but in these weeks leading up to it, what might it feel like to linger in the sacred tension between longing and fulfillment? Just as the Israelites awaited the promised Messiah, we too find ourselves in a season of waiting.
The twinkling lights, the scent of evergreen, and the familiar strains of carols – let them be gentle reminders of the beauty that surrounds us as we inch closer to the culmination of God’s story. Maybe it’s in the stillness of a quiet morning, or the glow of candlelight in the evening. Perhaps it’s in the warmth of shared laughter or the embrace of loved ones. These are the moments to create meaning, nurturing the promise of Emmanuel – God with us.
In this season of waiting, we find a profound connection with those who have waited before us and a renewed sense of hope for the promise yet to come. So, as we navigate the delicate dance of Advent, let’s tread lightly, savoring the sweetness of each moment. And in this intentional waiting, may we discover the joy that permeates the very air we breathe, signaling the arrival of the one who brings light to our darkness.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… God of the promise, in these busy days, help us slow down. As we breathe in the evergreen and the candied aromas, help us savor the moments that pass. May the expectations build so that what is to come will bring true and reassuring delight. Amen.